Mälarenergi's Block 6 CHP plant accounts for about half of Västerås' total district heating consumption, and can handle both waste and biofuels. In 2014, the boiler was in place but immediately began to create an odour problem that spread throughout the city. The odour, which affected 150 000 inhabitants, was caused by poor ventilation and a carbon filter that was fundamentally undersized. This in turn contributed to the high cost of replacing the filter about ten times a year.
Sigholm was responsible for developing a project plan and decision-making basis to effectively manage and lead two of three projects under the umbrella ‘Ventilation from BBR to P6’. The projects were named as ‘Reinforced ventilation ballager’ and ‘Duct to boiler, block 6’.
The result was an increase in the capacity of the duct system to improve air circulation and eliminate odour disturbances around the ballast. A ventilation system was also connected to the duct between the fuel preparation and Block 6. By creating a duct between the fuel preparation and the boiler house, a favourable negative pressure was achieved in the fuel preparation. This allowed efficient transport of air to the boiler for combustion, which solved the odour problem.
The success of the project resulted in significant savings for Mälarenergi, with the carbon filter only needing to be changed about twice a year instead of the previous ten times. Each carbon filter change costs approximately SEK 1.5 million, which means that the investment in the projects is expected to be repaid within 3-5 years. Mälarenergi is very pleased with the results.
Proactive and clear communication during the project reduced misunderstandings and potential problems.
The role of the project manager in these projects also included:
- Responsible for communication and coordination between the activities and the projects.
- Procurement and contracting of designers for all disciplines.
- Responsibility for ensuring that auditing was carried out on the project according to the specifications provided by the project manager.
- Responsibility for obtaining the necessary authorisations from the building committee for building permits for facade changes.
- Responsibility for ensuring that the contractor had the necessary plans for inspection plans, quality plans, work environment plans and environmental plans.
- Responsibility for ensuring that the required sampling was carried out, such as asbestos and radon.
- Preparation of tender documents in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and contract signing.
- Preparation and follow-up of plans, such as for scope of delivery, time, economy, resources, quality and HSE.
- Responsible for contact with contractors and suppliers.
- Responsibility for training and handover to operational units.
- Responsibility for final negotiations with contractors.
- Final reporting to the client.
The article was published 18/03 - 2020
